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New Delhi, Feb. 9 (PTI): The Gujarat government has withdrawn clearance for nine areas falling in the state that are part of the offerings under the oil hunt.

The Narendra Modi-led Gujarat government had on January 16 given its approval to auction nine blocks in the Cambay basin. But soon after, it withdrew the approval, a top oil ministry official said here.

The Centre, which according to the Constitution is the owner of both offshore and onland hydrocarbon resources, last month unveiled 46 blocks for offering in Nelp-X — the first auction round in two years. These blocks are made up of 17 onland areas, 15 shallow water and 14 deepsea blocks. Of the 17 onland blocks, nine are in Gujarat.